Thursday, January 24, 2008

Virginia Opera 2008-09


The Virginia Opera will present an exclusively Italian season of Verdi, Donizetti, Puccini and Rossini in 2008-09.

* Verdi’s "Il Trovatore," cast including Eiliana Lappalainen (as Leonora), Gustavo López Manzitti (Manrico), Nmon Ford (Count di Luna) and Victoria Livengood (Azucena), Oct. 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12 at Norfolk’s Harrison Opera House, Oct. 17 and 19 at the Center for the Arts, George Mason University, in Fairfax, Oct. 24 and 26 at Richmond’s Landmark Theater.

* Donizetti’s "The Elixir of Love," cast including Jane Redding (Adina) and Joshua Kohl (Nemorino), Nov. 14, 16, 19, 21 and 23 in Norfolk, Nov. 28 and 30 in Richmond, Dec. 5 and 6 in Fairfax.

* Puccini’s "Tosca," cast to be announced, Jan. 30, Feb. 1, 4, 6 and 8 in Norfolk, Feb. 13 and 15 in Fairfax, Feb. 20 and 22 in Richmond.

* Rossini’s "The Barber of Seville," cast including Jason Detwiler (Figaro), Steven Condy (Dr. Bartolo) and Mark McCrory (Don Basilio), March 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 in Norfolk, March 27 and 29 in Richmond, April 3 and 5 in Fairfax.

Peter Mark, Virginia Opera’s artistic director, marking his 100th production with the company in 34 seasons, will conduct "Trovatore," "Tosca" and "Barber." Joseph Walsh, the company’s associate conductor, will lead "Elixir."

Season subscriptions are $99-$531 in Norfolk, $81-$297 in Richmond. Fairfax subscription prices will be announced later.

Details: (866) 673-7282, www.vaopera.org